My doctor gave me venlafaxine , Effexor XR to treat night sweats.as I read about this drug it is?

... stated as an anti-depressant..i am not depressed by no means just wanted something to help with my night sweats..i am 49 years old and never been on any anti-depressant... is this something a dr usually prescribes for these symptoms?

Responses (4)

Yes, Effexor is an antidepressant. To be honest, not sure why the doctor is prescribing it for night sweats as it can have the common side effect of increased sweating. This isn't the first time I have heard of a doctor doing this though so it maybe will help.

Have you ever considered herbal remedies for the night sweats like evening primrose oil or soy? This is what my doctor recommended. Might be worth investigating especially if you don''t need the antidepressant.

Best wishes,

Laurie

Votes:+1

LO

Lol2havfun9 May 2017

Soy is the worst think you can take... especially for night sweats. It is estrogen... a hormone. I was not depressed but found the Effexor very effective for night sweats I got when taking cancer drugs.

IN

Inactive8 Aug 2011

No offense eant to your doctor, but maybe he tought it was an antiperspirant. I wold call him/her, & make sure he understood what you were talking about. Just my thoughts...

ME

Meno30 Mar 2012

I have been on medication for hypothyroidism for over 20 years, and have recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism now that I am in menopause. I have been on synthroid and the generic form, both have been very effective. I currently was diagnosed as being overmedicated, most likely due to some weight loss and menopause, but I feel that the medication has made a huge impact on my life! If your blood levels show that you need synthroid please take it! I have been having terrible night sweats due to menopause, and recently my Dr. recommended effexor, ever since I started it I have been sleeping so much better, no night sweats!! It is such a low dose, I really do not worry about it! Sleep, such a relief!

Votes:+2

DE

Debbiek4429 Jul 2013

I was just percribed the same medication for night sweats and I researched Venlafaxine ER. I also found that it is for depression and I am not depressed either. I am wondering why I was percribed that medication as well. Did you ever get a response to your question?